Thursday, January 20, 2011

Siquijor: Lazi Convent and Church

The road was deserted. Our tricycle came to a halt right in front of Lazi Convent's entrance. I stepped out of the vehicle and shifted my gaze from the convent to San Isidro Labrador Church (or simply Lazi Church).

Lazi Convent, humbly grand.

There's something about the rawness and unpolished-ness of the two that make them innocently charming. And that innocently charming persona in a tranquil environment can make anyone stop, sit and stare.

At least, that's what it did to us.

Shervin and I just came from Kagusuan Beach. During the ride to Lazi, we were raving about how pristine the beach is (actually, "pristine" is an adjective I'd use to describe all of Siquijor's beaches) and how quaint are the towns on the island. So when we were taken to this massive old convent, my head was clouded with disbelief.

The construction of the convent began in 1887 and was completed in 1891. If Siquijor still got an unsullied vibe up to this day, I wonder how it was 120 years ago. I'm certain it was such an imposing building during its time, in the middle of nowhere. The convent, I've read, was also utilized as a vacation house for priests. Must have been a 5-starish accommodation in paradise, ei?

Its first floor now is being used by a school. I believe on the second floor there's a small museum with relics on exhibit. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to see it.

San Isidro Labrador Church.

After closely examining the make of the convent (and sitting for what seemed like an eternity on a bench under an acacia tree), we walked over to Lazi Church just across the road.

A tarp clinging on one of the church's doors heeds a warning (via very specific illustrations) that visitors not properly dressed are not allowed to enter. Whether this applies during mass or not, I didn't enter anyway and just took a peek inside.

Aging gracefully.

We circled around the structure quickly. The church was constructed earlier than the convent and was completed in 1884 by Filipino artisans. Perhaps the same labor force who worked on the latter.

No one was around. We would have spent a few minutes sitting on the grass within the church grounds if not for the sudden blare from a player's speakers. A few students were about to practice some dance at a covered court nearby. When Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" broke the stillness of the town, we scurried back to our tricycle and pleaded kuya to immediately take us out of there.


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10 comments:

lakwatsera de primera said...
January 21, 2011 at 7:21 AM

hahaha, blame it on Lady Gaga for taking away your chance to sit and enjoy the serenity of the place ;)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
January 21, 2011 at 7:25 AM

She ruined the moment. Tsk.

maierz said...
January 21, 2011 at 8:30 AM

Love your Siquijor entries...beach pa lang I am completely sold!! But this church is just grand. I totally agree with you on the "aging gracefully". Lady Gaga be GONE!! O_o

Mai
http://maierz.blogspot.com

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
January 21, 2011 at 11:40 AM

Thanks Mai! "Lady Gaga be GONE!!" - korek :)

The Pinoy Byahero said...
January 30, 2011 at 8:46 AM

Your pictures of Siquijor makes me want to go there. I was very hesitant about considering Siquijor as a Travel Destination due to the Mangkukulam Stories but i realized there is no truth to it. If there is any, why get scared.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
January 30, 2011 at 1:43 PM

"If there is any, why get scared." - that's the adventurer's spirit :)

Anonymous said...
February 12, 2011 at 2:12 PM

nice
Nuestra SeƱora delas Nieves Church

Eric said...
March 18, 2011 at 3:17 AM

Thanks for this...miss my home....

Tony said...
September 9, 2011 at 1:24 PM

Beautiful Island Siquijor

Island hopes said...
March 27, 2012 at 4:43 PM

Thanks for the awesome pictures and breakdown of your travels in siquijor. Planning to go there in a couple of weeks time and flying blind because no one I know has been there. Your blog has been a great help.

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